2008 Index of Winners

If only this category were called "Best Museum That Doesn't Have Dinosaurs," then maybe the High or the Michael C. Carlos Museum would stand a chance. The Giants of the Mesozoic exhibit at the FERNBANK MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY helps it stand alone as Atlanta's best. Inside the main atrium, a fictional battle rages on the plains of prehistoric Argentina between the plant-eating Argentinosaurus and the meat-eating Giganotosaurus - two of the largest dinosaurs ever discovered. There's also the weekly Martinis & IMAX, a great date night if your significant other is into vodka and late Cretaceous fauna. More dinos are on the way in 2009 when the exhibit Dinosaurs: Ancient Fossils, New Discoveries opens on Valentine's Day. I've already marked my calendar! Museum: Free-$15. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. Martinis & IMAX: $7-$15. Fri., 5:30-10 p.m., January-November. 767 Clifton Road. 404-929-6300. www.fernbankmuseum.org. less...

With a style erupting from her metalsmithing background, pop-culture knowledge and an undeniable urban influence, GINA NIESPODZIANI is the obvious choice for Best Local Artist Who's Seen the Light. Her music video "Moviekiss - The Light Bright Video" for local rock band Y.O.U. is a stop-motion animated delight, and has screened at multiple film fests around the country. She recently gave back to the local art scene with a large-scale mural at Sopo Bike Shop's Atlanta Task Force location to benefit Atlanta's Homeless Neighbors. My favorite, however, is still her "Bill Murray" pop-art print series, featuring five head shots from a variety of Murray's films, including Rushmore and The Royal Tenenbaums. Seriously, how awesome is that? www.pleaserock.com. less...